Hammerhead Shark Falls from Sky Disrupting Disc Golf Game in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A small hammerhead shark fell from the sky during a disc golf game on May 18, creating a surprising scene at the Splinter City Disc Golf Course.

Jonathan Marlowe was teeing off at hole 11 when he spotted an osprey carrying something above him. The bird was chased by two crows, which caused it to drop its meal – the hammerhead shark. “We couldn’t believe it and kept asking ourselves, ‘Did that really just happen?'” Marlowe stated.

The shark, measuring about a foot long, became an unexpected hazard for the players. Marlowe shared photos of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media. He noted that while it is common to see ospreys hunting for fish, the sight of a hammerhead shark in the woods was extraordinary.

According to NOAA, scalloped hammerhead sharks typically inhabit tropical waters but can be found as far north as New Jersey. Marlowe explained how the osprey is known for its impressive fishing skills, specialized to catch slippery prey with uniquely designed feet.

Witnesses at the scene commented on the strangeness of seeing a shark outside of its natural habitat, with one fellow disc golfer expressing bewilderment at the circumstance. Marlowe decided to leave the shark behind in hopes that the osprey might reclaim its lost catch.

In the years before, South Carolina waters have been identified as home to various hammerhead species, including the recently documented Carolina hammerhead. Following the incident, Marlowe’s photos led many to question how the shark ended up on dry land, making the event a memorable occurrence for all involved.